- K’esugi Ridge Trail
- This backpack trip is one of the best hikes in Alaska, in the US, or anywhere! Multi-day alpine trek with wildlife, ridges, and Denali views.
This 30-mile, multi-day hike takes you across high alpine ridges with sweeping views, wild terrain, and the chance to see Denali on a clear day. With remote campsites, varied wildlife, and dramatic scenery, it’s one of Alaska’s most iconic backcountry treks.
Itinerary
This is just an example of a typical 2-night trip; times, progress and locations will vary with weather conditions, fitness and ambition.
Day 1
- 8:00 AM: Pickup at hotel or airport in Fairbanks
- 9:00 AM – 12 NOON: We will drive down from Fairbanks to the trailhead at Little Coal Mine trail. We will stop on Healy or Denali for lunch on the way down and keep an eye out for moose, dall sheep and other wildlife along the way.
- 1:00 PM: After checking our gear, we will start the hike up towards the highpoint of the ridge. This is a steep trail with lots of elevation gain over about 4 miles. We will take our time and enjoy the change from boreal forest to high alpine tundra. Views and a nice lunch will be your reward for getting to the ridge trail.
- 1:00 – 4:00 PM: We continue hiking along the ridge. Enjoy a well deserved rest at a trail shelter with drinks and snacks. We checkout local wild flowers, berries, and views.
- 5:00 – 7:00 PM: We decide on a comfortable camp spot and set up camp after a satisfying day of hiking. Dinner will be served!
- 7:00 PM: We enjoy the changing light, views and settle in for the night.
Day 2
- 8:00 AM: We wake up and stretch out before eating a delicious breakfast with tea and coffee.
- 9:00 AM – 12 NOON: We pack up camp and start hiking south along the beautiful ridge line, stopping for snacks, photos and nature observations.
- 1:00 – 5:00 PM: We take in the views, hike along and stop at a local lake for a refreshing dip of the toes (or whole body!).
- 5:00 – 7:00 PM: We decide on a good camp spot and set up camp after another satisfying day of hiking. Time for dinner.
Day 3
- 8:00 AM: Hopefully we wake up to clear skies and a view of Denali! We enjoy a full breakfast with tea and coffee.
- 9:00 AM – 12 NOON: We pack up camp and start hiking south along the beautiful ridge line, stopping for snacks, photos and nature observations.
- 1:00 PM: After enjoying a satisfying lunch we continue hiking past rock formations and lakes and arriving at the trail going down to the Byers Lake trail head. We head down this trail and arrive at the end of this beautiful hike.
- 1:00 – 5:00 PM: We will get in our vehicle and stop for dinner at Denali Village before we continue up to Fairbanks.
Package Detail
Price Includes
- Pickup at your hotel or at the airport & drop off at all locations
- Private vehicle transport
- Private local tour guide
- Hiking Poles
- Bear spray
- All food while on the hiking trail
- Group cooking stove
- Tent
- Wildlife viewing
- Professional high-resolution photographs
Price Excludes
- Food and drinks outside of the hiking trail
- Personal hiking gear (backpack, sleeping bag, clothing)
About
What to Expect
If you’re looking for an epic multi-day hike with endless views and a chance to see Denali then this hike is for you! K’esugi is a Dena’ina Athabascan word meaning “the Ancient One”. This hike is strenuous, with easier hiking once we are established on the ridge.
Hike Details
There are four different access and exit trails along the ridgeline, but we start at the northernmost trailhead (Little Coal Mine Creek), and climb steeply up for the first 4 miles gaining ~2000 f of elevation. Once on the ridge proper the hiking is much easier on gentle rolling firm terrain, spectacular views, and endless alpine terrain. About 11 miles into the hike the trail descends to a low saddle point which has a trail down to the road that can be used to bail in case of extreme weather. This can also be a good spot to set camp. From the saddle, the trail very briefly climbs before descending again and crossing a broad, low valley. Then you’ll climb for the next five miles to reach the high point of the southern portion of the trail, passing the mile-long Skinny Lake along the way. A nice place for a good meal. After ~25 miles we will arrive at the Cascade Trail/Byers Lake trail head and we will descend down to the road level and celebrate the end of this magical hike.
Wildlife & Views
The Area around the K’esugi Ridge Trails hosts a wide variety of wildlife such as brown and black bears, moose, ermines and marmots. In the lower areas, you might encounter muskrats, beavers, red foxes, porcupines, and a rich bird community. Over 120 bird species migrate through or breed here. Common species are chickadees, willow ptarmigan and gray jays; migratory species include the Wilson’s warbler, the Arctic tern, the lesser golden plover, golden-crowned sparrow, and ruby-crowned kinglet. Water birds such as trumpeter swans, loons, and osprey fly are seen in lakes and rivers. Views of Denali and the surrounding park can be spectacular. Weather can often be cloudy around Denali, we estimate that clear views happen about 30% of the time. But when Denali is out it is spectacular!
Tour Details
- Difficulty - Strenuous
- Group Size - Min/Max 2–6 people
- Pricing - $1200 per person
- Location - Denali State Park, Alaska
- Trip Style - Overnight, remote camping 2 nights / 3 days
- Trip Distance - 30 miles
- Season - June thru September